Presented is a method, derived from ordering theory, for the multidimensional scaling of dichotomous item data. The method is said to be related to the methodological multivariate extension of I. Guttman's scalogram analysis developed by C. Coombs and his students. An example is used to compare the data analytic results of the ordering theoretic…

Critical to precise quantitative research is reliability estimation. Researchers have limited tools, however, to assess the reliability of evolving instruments. Consequently, cursory assessment is typical and in-depth evaluation is rare. This paper presents a rationale for and description of PIAS, a computerized instrument analysis system. PIAS…

Some of the ramifications of the linear order assumption underlying much of measurement theory are discussed. Ordering theory is then described as an alternative deterministic measurement model that does not make the linear order assumption. (Author/RC)

It is shown that if a behavior domain can be described by the common factor model with a finite number of factors, the squared correlation between the sum of a selection of items and the domain total score is actually greater than coefficient alpha. (Author/JKS)

A strict equivalence presupposed by Kaiser and Michael to derive the coefficient of "domain validity" is defensible only as a biased approximation. But then, it is far from clear what psychometric significance this coefficient has in the first place. (Author)

Facet technique is used to analyze contents of achievement motive questionnaire items proposed in recent years and to construct an explicit definition for achievement motive. (Author/JKS)

The G index of agreement does not permit the use of various weights for its various items. The weighted G index described here, make it possible to use unequal weights. An example of the procedure is provided. (Author/JKS)

A new concept of weakly parallel tests, in contrast to strongly parallel tests in latent trait theory, is proposed. Some criticisms of the fundamental concepts in classical test theory, such as the reliability of a test and the standard error of estimation, are given. (Author)

Subjects rated each item in Rotter's I-E Scale for its social desirability value. Social desirability scale values (SDSV) of paired items were compared with one another. Results indicate that paired items are not similar in their SDSV, thus enabling subjects to respond on the basis of social desirability. (Author/DEP)

The Personal Development Study (PDS) is one of the eight subtests of the Integration Level Test Series, which objectively measures different hierarchical levels of factors that organize the integration of psychological states. The PDS consists of a 200-item questionnaire devised to discover whether Freudian mechanisms were operating across a wide…

First- and second-order factor analyses were conducted, using the LISREL model, on correlation matrices among item parcels of verbal items of the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Focus was on determining whether statistical dependence among item scores can be explained by a single ability dimension. Results suggest future research possibilities related…

Lord's method for detecting subgroup bias at the item level uses a three-parameter item characteristic curve model. A chi square statistic is computed on the multivariate differences between the parameter estimates of item discrimination and difficulty. The LOGIST program and additional programs written in BASIC are used. (Author/GDC)

An example demonstrates and explains that summary statistics commonly used to measure test quality can be seriously misleading and that summary statistics for the whole test are not sufficient for judging the quality of the test. (Author/LMO)

A simple and economical method for estimating initial parameter values for the normal ogive or logistic latent trait mental test model is outlined. The accuracy of the method in comparison with maximum likelihood estimation is investigated through the use of Monte-Carlo data. (Author)

Beliefs about memories and about the ability to recall memories may affect the individual's recollection of facts and "events." What people believe about memory is investigated using previously analyzed and reported responses to the Beliefs about Memory Survey (BMS). The survey sample (N=1046) was randomly divided for calibration and…